SpecialtyCare Announces Partnership with Midwest Transplant Network to Advance Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP) in Organ Donation and Transplantation
SpecialtyCare, a leading provider of allied healthcare, is excited to announce a new partnership with Midwest Transplant Network (MTN) to enhance the field of organ donation and transplantation through the use of Normothermic Regional Perfusion (NRP). This collaboration aims to improve the viability of donor organs and increase the success of transplants, ultimately helping to save more lives.
The partnership brings together SpecialtyCare’s expertise in perfusion services and MTN’s leadership in organ donation and procurement, with both organizations already working alongside many of the same top hospitals in the region. Together, they will utilize NRP to perfuse and recondition organs to improve outcomes for transplant recipients and greater opportunities for successful organ recovery.
NRP is a groundbreaking procedure that enables organs, such as kidneys and livers, to be preserved and assessed in a state that closely mimics the body’s normal conditions. This innovative process allows transplant teams to evaluate organs more thoroughly and restore them to an optimal condition before transplantation. As a result, more patients can benefit from life-saving transplants, and the overall efficiency of the organ donation process is increased.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to provide the highest level of care for transplant recipients and improve the availability and efficiency of organ donation across the country,” said Dr. Steven Choi, CMO of SpecialtyCare. “By combining our expertise in perfusion services with the incredible work that Midwest Transplant Network is doing, we are proud of making this profound impact on the lives of transplant patients and those awaiting life-saving organs.”
“Midwest Transplant Network’s partnership with SpecialtyCare is part of a bold aim to save more lives through organ donation. By using abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) to recover organs, together, we’re able to increase the gifts of livers and kidneys from donor heroes,” said Lori Markham, Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer of Midwest Transplant Network. “Not only does SpecialtyCare have vast perfusion experience, but they are also such a great cultural fit with our organization. Together, we are honoring our donor heroes and saving more lives.”
The partnership between SpecialtyCare and MTN, which began in July 2024, aims to expand NRP services across the Midwest region while providing training and support for transplant professionals. This ensures the technology is fully utilized to save lives. As both organizations continue working together, the partnership is poised to significantly enhance the region’s transplant community and advance the science of NRP.
SpecialtyCare and Midwest Transplant Network remain deeply committed to their shared focus of increasing organ availability, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovation in transplant medicine.
About SpecialtyCare
SpecialtyCare partners with hospitals and surgery centers to integrate seamlessly into the operating room. With a deep roster of over 1,800 specialists in Cardiac, Neuro, and Surgical services, we enhance patient outcomes, expand coverage, and reduce costs. Leveraging cutting-edge tools, technology, and tens of thousands of hours of experience, we are the premier partner for hospitals. Our SpecialtyCare Operative Procedural Registry (SCOPE™) drives innovation and sets benchmarks for superior care. Accredited by The Joint Commission and trusted by over 1,200 hospitals, SpecialtyCare supports effective OR and ICU operations. Visit Specialtycareus.com for more.
About Midwest Transplant Network
Incorporated in 1973, Midwest Transplant Network facilitates organ, eye and tissue donation in partnership with hospitals and other professional partners to give hope and share life. MTN’s service area is the state of Kansas and western two-thirds of Missouri, with its central office located in Westwood, Kansas, and satellite offices in Wichita, Kansas, and Columbia and Joplin, Missouri. MTN commemorated 50 years of service in 2023.
Generous organ donor heroes from Midwest Transplant Network’s service area saved the lives of 13 people with an organ transplant in 1972. In 2024, that number was 399, illustrating the thoughtfulness of people in Kansas and western Missouri; the strong support from MTN’s hospital and community partners; and MTN’s commitment to continual improvement and saving more lives.
